Uttarakhand is a state in northern India that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for adventure, spirituality, nature, or culture, Uttarakhand has something for you. But when is the best time to visit this beautiful destination? The answer depends on what you want to see and do in Uttarakhand. In this article, we will help you decide when to plan your trip to Uttarakhand based on the weather, festivals, and activities in each season.
Uttarakhand in Summer (March to June)
Summer is the peak season for tourism in Uttarakhand, as the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures not going beyond 35 degree Celsius during the day and never dipping below 20 degrees Celsius. Summer brings out the beauty in Uttarakhand and you will find most tourists heading here.
Some of the advantages of visiting Uttarakhand in summer are:
- You can enjoy trekking, paragliding, camping, and other adventure activities in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, such as Auli, Chopta, Valley of Flowers, Kedarnath, Badrinath, etc.
- You can visit the famous Char Dham Yatra, which is a pilgrimage to four sacred sites in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The yatra starts in April or May and ends in October or November.
- You can witness the colorful festivals and fairs of Uttarakhand, such as Baisakhi, Holi, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, etc.
- You can escape the heat and humidity of the plains and enjoy the cool breeze and scenic views of the hill stations of Uttarakhand, such as Nainital, Mussoorie, Ranikhet, Almora, etc.
Some of the disadvantages of visiting Uttarakhand in summer are:
- You may face heavy crowds and traffic jams in popular tourist spots, especially during weekends and holidays.
- You may have to pay higher prices for accommodation, transportation, and other services due to high demand.
- You may not be able to see snow or experience snowfall in most places.
Uttarakhand in Monsoon (July to September)
Monsoon is the low season for tourism in Uttarakhand, as the state receives heavy rainfall in the months of July and August. However, monsoon also has its own charm and beauty that attracts some travelers who love nature and solitude.
Some of the advantages of visiting Uttarakhand in monsoon are:
- You can see the lush greenery and blooming flowers of Uttarakhand, especially in the Valley of Flowers National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is open from June to October and has over 300 species of alpine flowers.
- You can get discounts and deals on accommodation, transportation, and other services due to low demand.
Some of the disadvantages of visiting Uttarakhand in monsoon are:
- You may face landslides, roadblocks, floods, and other natural calamities that can disrupt your travel plans and pose safety risks.
- You may not be able to visit some places or do some activities due to bad weather or closure.
- You may not be able to enjoy rafting in Rishikesh, which is one of the best places for white water rafting in India. The rapids are closed during monsoons due to high water levels.
- You may have to deal with fog and poor visibility that can affect your travel and sightseeing.
Uttarakhand in Winter (October to February)
Winter is the shoulder season for tourism in Uttarakhand, as the weather is cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius. Some parts of Uttarakhand like Mussoorie and Nainital experience snowfall. Winter is a good time to visit Uttarakhand if you like the cold or want to see snow.
Some of the advantages of visiting Uttarakhand in winter are:
- You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and other winter sports in Auli, which is one of the best ski resorts in India. Auli hosts national and international skiing competitions every year.
- You can spot wildlife in Jim Corbett National Park, which is India’s oldest national park and home to tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles, and more than 500 species of birds. The park is open from October to June.
- You can celebrate Diwali, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Makar Sankranti, and other festivals and events in Uttarakhand with the locals and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- You can see the clear and stunning views of the Himalayas, which are often obscured by clouds or haze in other seasons.
Some of the disadvantages of visiting Uttarakhand in winter are:
- You may have to face cold and chilly weather in some places, especially at high altitudes. You need to carry warm clothes and accessories to keep yourself comfortable.
- You may not be able to access some places or do some activities due to snow or ice. The Char Dham Yatra is closed during winter.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is a destination that can be visited in any season, depending on your preferences and interests. However, the best time to travel to Uttarakhand is generally considered to be March to April and September to October, as the weather is mild and pleasant, the scenery is stunning, and the activities are diverse. You can also visit Uttarakhand in summer if you want to enjoy adventure and pilgrimage, in monsoon if you want to see nature and solitude, or in winter if you want to experience snow and wildlife. Whatever season you choose, you can be sure that Uttarakhand will not disappoint you with its beauty and charm.